paper hearts (jeon jungkook)

The Stars

"Come back here, both of you!"

The halls of the orphanage were filled with children's chatters, laughter and even, cries. As sunlight hit the glasses of the windows and children were either busy with their chores or simply passing time by playing around, you and Jungkook scurried on your feet; cradling buns of bread filled with chocolate.

"Brats!" the cook from the kitchen exclaimed as he stopped chasing after the both of you.

Dashing through the halls, the children remained unfazed since it was not the first time that both of you raced through the halls with snacks occupying your grip. Jungkook shot you one of his cocky smiles, running faster than you.

"Catch up if you can, [Y/N]!" he playfully said.

Once both of you reached the grass, you tried to catch up to Jungkook by accelerating on speed; however you already had the biggest of inklings that Jungkook would still win the race. The sofa behind the building came into view and your legs were already feeling tired. As expected, Jungkook won by sitting quickly and laughing triumphantly on the sofa. You laughed with him, chasing your breath and proceeding to sit beside him.

"You're so fast! How could I ever catch up to you?" you groaned in disbelief. Jungkook only grinned that, wiping off his sweat with the back of his hand. Smiling at each other, you clinked the chocolate-filled bread buns before taking a bite. The bread was scrumptious, making you chew slowly to savor the taste. Both of you knew you had to make the moment last since the consequences always come after.

"Your adoption interview is in 30 minutes, right?" Jungkook nonchalantly asked, looking at you with his doe-like eyes. Staring back at him, you can't help but stifle a laugh at his face smeared with chocolate filling. He raised an eyebrow, confused with your sudden burst of laughter. "You have chocolate all over your face!" you teased, finally pointing it out to him. Jungkook's eyes widened, quickly wiping off the filling. Glaring at your growing grin, he repeated his question to you.

"I'm really nervous..." you muttered after nodding your head. Looking down for a bit, you started to feel your heart thump quickly in your chest. You were really ecstatic when you found out a couple was interested in adopting you; however, nothing was for sure yet. The absence of such assurance led you to hope that your dream would finally come true; but it also had the underlying side of you getting rejected again. Completely spacing out for a matter of seconds, you jumped at Jungkook's sudden touch. Your eyes met, and the unwavering concern and care he had for you were there. Sighing deeply, you moved closer to him, gently placing your head on top of his shoulder.

A comforting silence settled between you as you basked in your best friend's warmth. You secretly took a whiff of his flowery scent, feeling less apprehensive than before. Even though all of you used the same detergent, Jungkook had an exclusive scent that reminded you of spring. He smelled like blossoming flowers and a new day, and you couldn't help but feel calm because of it— you couldn't help but feel calm just by being around Jungkook.

As if he heard your own thoughts, he leaned his head on top of yours. Neither of you spoke a word for a while, drowning in each other's presence and the solace that such physical affection was emitting. You stayed like that for the whole time, huddled up in your sofa.

"[Y/N]," Jungkook said softly, his sweet voice echoing in your ears, "— it's almost time for the interview."

Heaving a sigh, both of you got up from the sofa and started walking to the orphanage's main building. Just right on time, the care-taker locked eyes with you and she immediately called you over. Your heart started thrumming in your chest again, shakily exhaling. Before approaching her to go in the office, Jungkook's hand caught yours. "I'm here for you." he quickly said, bashful but sincere. You were surely caught off-guard as your lips broke into a small smile, eyes glistening with such endearment for your best friend after processing what he said. "Thank you, Koo." you said, squeezing his hand in return before disappearing into the office for the interview.

Jungkook could only sigh too, as he felt his fast heartbeat beneath the palm on his chest.

The interview didn't last that long but it felt like an eternity for you. While you were seated in front of a young-looking couple, you could see in their eyes that they were still having second thoughts about giving you a new home. "How old are you?" the young lady asked, smiling a little, "I'm eight-years-old." you shyly answered, cowering a little under their gazes. The questions were personal; and it seemed like you just weren't the person for them. You wanted to bawl, feeling insecure about yourself and overwhelmed by the situation. In the end, you were left frozen on your seat, rejected and filled with mixed emotions.

"[Y/N]!"

As soon as you walked out of the main building, Jungkook came running quickly. You didn't answer him; nor did you look him in the eye. With your head down and eyes stuck on your old and scruffy shoes, you sighed. Melancholy laced your eyes as endless thoughts of doubt and insecurity filled your head.

Jungkook immediately understood, pulling you in a tight embrace. You hugged him back, letting a single tear roll down your cheek. Having a family was your ultimate dream, yes, but then you realized, Jungkook was already there for you.

Once he pulled back, Jungkook wasted no time in tugging at your hand and leading you to your hideout. "Let's gaze at the stars together." he said, clearly trying to divert your heart and mind from the cold whispers of moroseness.

The sun has just set; the sky a mess of different hues. Across the canvas-like body of the sky were stars, peering down at you and the boy that never left your side. With little light, Jungkook sat with you at the old sofa; admiring the star-littered sky. Just like before, Jungkook comforted you by just being there and not uttering a single word; because he knew that's what you needed.

"Am I ever going to have parents?" you suddenly blurted out, eyes fixated at the sky. Jungkook noticed your glassy eyes, glistening under his scrutinizing gaze together with the sky. He chewed on his lip, turning his head towards the stars as well.

"You know, it's amazing how we can see the stars even though they're so far away from us," he said, his voice filled with bewilderment, indeed like a child, "To me, it's a reminder that there's so much beauty out there; that we almost can't see it," Jungkook added, sounding entranced. You looked back at him, seeing the wonder in his eyes, "... but we do."

Staring at him in awe, your tears started cascading down your cheeks simultaneously. His words pierced your heart and it took him a matter of seconds to realize so. You saw the panic in his eyes, opening his mouth to apologize but you stopped him. Shaking your head, you smiled.

"I know that you're telling me that the day will come even though it's still out of reach but," your eyes never left his as he moved to wipe the tears off your face, "... to me, Jungkook, you're the most beautiful star I've ever seen."